Bridget Howard's Journey: From Hometown Fan to Royals.TV Star
The Kansas City Royals have just dropped a bombshell announcement: Bridget Howard, a local talent with deep roots in the city, is joining the Royals.TV broadcast team! This move is set to electrify fans and bring a fresh perspective to the beloved team's coverage.
But here's where it gets personal... Howard's debut will be an emotional homecoming, taking place tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. CT during the Royals' game against the Rangers. She will be stepping into the spotlight alongside a seasoned crew, including play-by-play veterans Ryan Lefebvre and Jake Eisenberg, and analysts Rex Hudler and Jeremy Guthrie. The pre and postgame shows will continue to be hosted by Joel Goldberg and the legendary Jeff Montgomery.
"Bridget brings a unique blend of passion and expertise to our broadcast team," shared Royals President Cullen Maxey. "Her connection to Kansas City and its fans is genuine, and her storytelling prowess will be a powerful asset as we engage with our audience through Royals.TV." This statement underscores the team's commitment to fostering a deeper connection with their fans.
Howard's response to the news is equally heartfelt: "To come full circle and join the Royals broadcast team is a dream come true. I grew up here, cheering for this team, and now I get to share my love for the game and this city with our fans. It's an honor I can't express in words." This personal connection to the team and the city is a powerful motivator for Howard.
Her journey began at Blue Valley High School and continued at Kansas State University, where she made history as a member of the first-ever K-State women's soccer team in 2016. Her broadcasting career took off at K-State, where she honed her skills as a host and sideline reporter for various Wildcat athletic programs on platforms like ESPN+ and Fox Sports Kansas City. With a degree in Mass Communications and a minor in Leadership Studies, she was well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
Howard's professional resume is impressive, encompassing sideline reporting, play-by-play commentary, studio hosting, and digital content creation. She currently shines as a sideline reporter for TNT's college football and basketball coverage, as well as Unrivaled women's basketball. Her play-by-play skills are on display in the NWSL, Gainbridge Super League, and select NCAA conference championships. And if that wasn't enough, she hosts and produces 'The Rise' podcast, featuring in-depth conversations with sports and media luminaries.
But wait, there's more! From 2020 to 2024, Howard spent five impactful years with the Mountain West Network, serving as a studio host, color analyst for the MW Women's Soccer Championships, and sideline reporter for a plethora of conference events. And let's not forget her family's rich baseball heritage, with her father, David Howard, playing for the Royals and Cardinals, and her grandfather, Bruce Howard, enjoying a six-year Major League career with the White Sox, Orioles, and Senators.
And this is the part most people miss: Howard's story is a testament to the power of local talent and the deep connection between a team and its community. Her journey from fan to broadcaster is an inspiring narrative that will undoubtedly resonate with Royals fans. But will her presence on the broadcast team spark new interest in the team, or is it simply a feel-good story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
